Sheriff Mike Moore is pleased to announce that the Boone County Sheriff’s Department Investigation Division has successfully located and recovered a stolen tractor and hay baler.

The equipment along with some power tools were reported stolen from Couch Bottom Rd. in Boone County sometime within the last few days. A tip from an anonymous source led investigators to the location of the equipment and the identity of the suspect, James Christen, age 52.

Christen was taken into custody by officers after being located operating a four-wheeler on public roads while driving on a suspended drivers license. During the interrogation of Christen he confessed to committing the act that also included selling a portion of the stolen tools to an individual in Boone County. Investigator Craig Loggins was able to successfully recover the property involved in this case, estimated at a value of approximately $30,000.00.

Christen is currently being held on charges of felony theft and a number of misdemeanor offenses. His bond has currently been set at $75,000.00.

Sheriff Moore gives credit and thanks to the people that provided information to the officers investigating the case to successfully recover property and apprehend the person involved. Tips provided to the department are always a resource to assist officers investigating cases and they are always appreciated.